The Infrastructure to Withstand Persecution: Resurrecting a Banking System for Zion
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Comments | Return to Story
Susan RatherDecember 21, 2021
I recommend people consider becoming members of Deseret First Credit Union. Of course, Deseret First must comply with all federal requirements for financial institutions. But beyond that, Deseret First does its best to support the unique values and lifestyle of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
RochelleApril 7, 2021
This is already coming about with the EGS. Our credit score will be based on our actions politically instead of our payment history etc. It is wise to stay informed but at this point I see no alternatives being offered by anyone.
ChappDecember 13, 2020
All fiat money fails. Simple as that. If you think that the church can use current money to start a bank, when that money fails, you are dreaming. This article is spot on, but the solution isn't the church. The solution is having real money and real skills that will be in demand. Very good article and timely. Had no idea it was this bad.
TaceyDecember 10, 2020
I don't think this article is a "paranoid conspiracy theory" considering that the entire latter half of the Book of Mormon addresses the devastating effects of conspiracy. What do you think a secret combination is? The Nephite and Lamanite societies were both destroyed by governmental and societal conspiracy. Since the Book of Mormon was written for our day and to help us navigate our modern world is it really so paranoid to consider that this author might have a point? We are told not to be naive. We are told to be wise as foxes. What this author is writing about may not happen, but it will not hurt us to be prepared for it. When ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.
Janeen BurkeDecember 9, 2020
I didn’t get the feeling that the author was telling the Church what to do, but I would have liked to have felt more faith in the leadership as prophets, seers and revelators. I have no doubt that the leaders are well aware of this and the greater persecution coming. I truly believe that Christ Himself directs the Church and no doubt they are being prepared and it’s just a matter of time when we receive further instruction. Personal revelation is so important and the Book of Mormon spells out very clearly of the secret combination that will bring an end of all nations and that it will happen before the second coming. Then you have the very clear warnings from several leaders, but especially President Nelson that the second coming is near. He even told us to “repent and do it now, time is running out.” Can’t get much clearer than that! They have been warning us for decades and they have been preparing us spiritually for the law of consecration, which I feel is coming soon. We will be called upon that law just as we have been called upon for the law of tithing as a preparation of the higher law. This is all very important that we should be prepared for and remember if we are prepared, then we “shall not fear”.
Mark StephanDecember 8, 2020
I don't find this to be paranoid in the least, or some sort of right wing crazy talk either, as has been suggested. This is all very credible and well researched. Much of what we suspect might happen, has been documented as already happening. And further, the prophets have been preparing us for decades (at least) to be ready for this. Not only is this a subject worth discussing, but it needs to be applied as part of our preparedness efforts. My wife and I have been paying down our debt as hard as we can go, but based on this, I think it's time we start diverting a percentage of our efforts into cash-on-hand as well. Thank you for your research and your well written article.
Gary PrinceDecember 8, 2020
One commenter referred to this article as a conspiracy theory. It is not a theory. The UN secretary-general, António Guterres, recently advocated for all UN members to change to a system where all property is owned by the government. John Kerry has openly spoken of a 're-set' of the economic and financial systems in the world and speaks of a one-world order. These people are advocating that all people's bank accounts and real property be confiscated and redistributed as the elites determine. These goals are being touted to be accomplished by 2030. These are not conspiracies. These groups who advocate these changes are no longer shy about their intents. I believe the author brings up some very valid points. However, it would be necessary for the church to belong to a coordinating organization in order for it to be effective. Since most religions in this scenario would be persecuted, one would have to align all those religions into a cooperative type system and hope they have the ability to communicate. If censorship created an inability to use digital communication, then it would be difficult to establish such a system on a large scale. My recommendation is to follow the prophets' council and teachings. Have food storage and, most important, learn to hear the Spirit's voice and receive revelations. The day may come that most communication within the church and among the righteous will be done through the spirit and through revelation because man's creations will not be available!
Ruth AllenDecember 8, 2020
I am very familiar with the signs of the times and also that God is in charge of everything. He will expose all evil and destroy them. Each one. We must believe in the loving guidance of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ and follow the individual promptings that come when we pray for them. Following our Prophet and apostles and the Holy Ghost is the only way to navigate through these times. Fear is not the way to make decisions. Love and trust in our Savior is!!
DDecember 8, 2020
I think this article is very timely. I think there is a distinct possibility this very scenario IS going to happen. Thank you, Meridien, for publishing thought provoking comment.
LorraineDecember 8, 2020
This is not "right wing conspiracy"". It is happening in China. If you think we are immune to conspiracy and bad things happening, look no further than the Book of Mormon.. We habe been told more than once that we will be persecuted in the last days.
WilsonDecember 8, 2020
I can see it coming, although we would all like to disbelieve it. I think there really is no doubt that right wing thought, including religious and patriotic expression, will be suppressed, as it currently is, but it will greatly worsen under a leftist regime.
DebiDecember 8, 2020
Interesting perspective. Maybe this will bring us all to "have all things in common" where we support each other.
Robert D StarlingDecember 8, 2020
This article has given me pause for thought. We live in a world that seems on the one hand to worship at the altar of "diversity" and "inclusion", while at the same time is quite ready to "cancel" someone with a diversity of thought or speech if it reflects a difference of opinion with which it does not agree. Certainly the Latter-day Saints have suffered terrible persecutions, including un-Constitutional government assaults from the Missouri extinction order to the Edmunds-Tucker Act and beyond. But it seems to me that the examples given in this article of corporate persecution have clear remedies (at least in the US) in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and followup legislation that prohibits discrimination by anyone (including banks, Google, etc) on the basis of many things, including religion as "sincerely held beliefs". It seems to me that the people who have been wronged should get lawyers and sue the heck out of the banks, etc. who have cancelled them. Or am I missing something?
DayDecember 8, 2020
This is an amazing and well thought out article. Anyone who actually studies the persecutions and events to happen before the second coming from the Bible know about those who will or won’t be allowed to buy and sell. One political party’s leader here in the US. has already labeled and sought to classify religious groups as safe harbors for hate. It has already begun. It doesn’t take a genius to see where that kind of label and subsequent policies will go. Brilliant and prophetic article that offers hope in a solution. Anyone who feels this is paranoid or right wing needs to study their scriptures and awaken.
Of the news channels and social media who are afraid to share anything of this sort. Blessings to youDecember 8, 2020
Thank you for your research AND courage to share. No doubt you will be getting many who do not like to hear this kind of thing but when we start to have experiences ourselves and friends also having experiences with the banking system not being able to use cash Etc, it’s concerning. I don’t think this is fear mongering at all as some may say. It’s simply warning and getting informed. The more information we have the better apt we are to making decisions. When we are prepared we won’t fear. Thank you so much for this extensive research and your time taken to write this. And thank you meridian magazine for your willingness to share this. Please do not take it down please do not be like the restOf the news channels and social media who are afraid to share anything of this sort. Blessings to you!
RenaeDecember 8, 2020
Where is the concern for how current banking practices impact the poor? This piece is conjecture. Pay day loans and tax refund advance and lines of credit geared to those unsophisticated enough to be lured in are current reality. Interest rates on these loans, when added to application fees close in on 50%. Tax preparation companies lure in clients, who pay exhoribant amounts for simple tax returns, with promises of zero interest loans that usually get them $500 two to three weeks earlier than they would have. But the cost of the return is $500, so the client actually loses much of the refund amount to tax preparation fees. Legal, yes. Moral, no. But Utah is right in there with its pro-business culture demanding the legislature not act to protect the poor. We do not want Zion. How could the rich get and stay righ without the right to exploit the poor?
essayDecember 8, 2020
I'm not as concerned about the banking issues in this article (people will always find ways to take your money) as I am about the censorship issues. We now live in an era of censorship by those that think they know what's ethically correct and other viewpoints are labeled "harmful," society must not tolerate them and must be "canceled." No one has given them the authority, but wield it they do.
Ronald L. McKimDecember 7, 2020
We already are living in the "days of cancel culture"! Anyone naïve enough to think they are immune, try making a comment on social media, or stating your religious believes publicly, or maybe in a work situation mention that you are Christian/Conservative. Better yet, wear a MAGA hat! Just be prepared for the "Social Brown Shirts" to show up to shame you, cancel you, and shut you up. And yes, they will deny your rights as Big Tech is now doing. This article is spot on, good job!
Andrew ArnottDecember 7, 2020
Digital currency already completely solves this as it eliminates the bank entirely. But most merchants don't take it yet:(
LKDecember 7, 2020
I absolutely don't believe this is premature, paranoid, or inappropriate. On the contrary, what do the scriptures and prophecies warn and where do you stand in your commitment? I've lived in enough university towns with many members who prided themselves on being 'above' risking any appearance of not fitting in with the larger culture. It doesn't surprise me some posters are of this sentiment. I feel a glint of hope reading this article, hope for our futures and that of our children. Thank you and prayers for us all.
RussDecember 7, 2020
Far from being extreme, to have an alternative to the current financial system will be a wise and practical decision. In addition to dealing with discrimination against traditional Christian/LDS values that are rapidly building, there is the "Great Economic Reset" that is coming as well. Many aspects of a social credit score system as seen in China, as noted, are already starting to evolve. To have an alternative and not lose the value of your hard-earned savings is wise. It is not a question of if, but of when the props that have kept our economy going will fail. However, it will be an extremely difficult path to take with opposition every step of the way from the "establishment." Those who think that such events as being described will not happen are seriously mistaken and to not even try to make proactive measures is extremely short-sighted. .
Susan D MarxDecember 7, 2020
I tried to post this to my private family Facebook group it just goes to my kids by pushing on the Facebook button associated with this article and it immediately told me that my Facebook was locked because of suspicious activity. I have never ever had my Facebook locked because of suspicious activity, it's never been locked for any reason. this is crazy bizarre.
NannaDecember 7, 2020
This is so scary to me I am trembling! Please tell me this is unlikely to happen to good honest people. I think this information would come from the prophet. Why would you publish this type of material. Not uplifting at all. If this is a scare tactic it worked.
VAL C. LEWISDecember 7, 2020
Very timely and important article. Thank You!
Scott PugsleyDecember 7, 2020
This I a bad sign - Meridian getting involved in extreme right-wing advocacy of what the Church should do. I urge Meridian to stay on the path and avoid this kind of advocacy.
Pam BiggerDecember 7, 2020
Oh my... sounds possible...sounds a little scary...hope people do not panic....time will tell how it all works out...really glad to know that someday the Savior will be in charge and evil will be bound etc...
Rick ChaddertonDecember 7, 2020
This is a well thought out and researched article and looks to our future when we can no longer "buy or sell" without the mark of the beast, according to John. I am not persuaded however that the Church can create a banking entity to skirt the various bullying (payment) entities that you quote in your article. Even if the Church were to set up a bank of sorts, there are utility service providers that could still cut off the infrastructure needed to run a bank (broadband, power etc). Therefore what? The other side of the coin is even though you have identified that Churches such as ours could quickly be identified as a "hate group" and have bank accounts etc cut off - what about organized crime who survive and use bank accounts to grow their business despite AML laws worldwide. Then there are more nefarious users like Pornhub that Governments and banks seem unwilling to ban.
Glen ODecember 7, 2020
This is an interesting read and offers items that individuals and families should consider. That said, I have no doubt that the church leaders either already are or were at least 20 years ahead of the issues developed here. They have been counseling us to get out of debt and to pay off our mortgages for well more than 100 years. These are probably the best things we can do. We have been asked to store necessary items to sustain life and President Hinckley said on more than one occasion to have a little money set aside at home in case you couldn't access it at the bank. Follow the brethren and the spirit and we will be able to withstand these challenges.
JimDecember 7, 2020
There are a few credit unions that their field of membership is the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just find one of them and you will not have a problem with your account or getting loans.
GWDecember 7, 2020
If these forces and de-person individuals, can't/won't they all do that to an financial institution trying to skirt their punishment. Will it do any good to have financial access through say a "Zion's" bank if no other bank will work with them? This article is concerning, but I'm not sure the solution would make any difference.
Alan WildDecember 7, 2020
This is a very timely article. Church members will surely face this banking issue one day and now is the time to prepare.
Terry StephensDecember 7, 2020
I have had a growing concern about this very situation. I believe this to be exactly what we will see in the very near future. It fits with prophesy and scriptural descriptions of the final days before Christ returns. It would be wonderful to have a totally independent financial system not just for church members, but for all who cherish faith and freedom. We must also have an independent social networking and communications platform. The church has the basic foundations in place for adaptation and expansion. I hope it is being discussed seriously in the highest councils of the church.
VaDecember 7, 2020
Right on! To keep our money from supporting The Great Reset via the Big Banks would be effective. There seems to be every indication that social censoring is happening and Will become more anti-Christian.
Edward Rehder IIIDecember 7, 2020
Great article! We need to keep our finger on this pulse. Good ideas as well. Thanks
EDecember 7, 2020
This is incredibly paranoid and I don't think it's helpful to feed that kind of thinking.
RitaDecember 7, 2020
When I first read this article in SquareTwo, I thought about the references in Revelation to the "mark of the beast". We usually think of it as a physical mark, like a tattoo. But in our digital age, it may be a "virtual" mark. The counsel from the prophets to get out of debt, have useful skills, and develop spiritual strength ring louder now than ever.
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